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Unbonding

Unbonding is the process of unstaking your LYTH. This guide covers what to expect.

Unbonding Period​

When you undelegate, your tokens enter a 3-day unbonding period:

Undelegate → 3 days → Tokens available
ParameterValue
Duration3 days (259,200 seconds)
RewardsNone during unbonding
SlashingStill possible

Why the Delay?​

The unbonding period:

  1. Security: Prevents quick exit after misbehavior
  2. Stability: Reduces stake volatility
  3. Accountability: Tokens remain at risk for recent validator actions

Unbonding Process​

Start Unbonding​

monod tx staking unbond <validator-address> <amount>alyth \
  --from <your-key> \
  --chain-id <chain-id>

Check Unbonding Status​

monod query staking unbonding-delegations <your-address>

Shows completion time for each unbonding entry.

Receive Tokens​

After 3 days, tokens automatically become available. No additional action needed.

During Unbonding​

What Happens​

  • ❌ No rewards earned
  • ⚠️ Tokens can still be slashed
  • ❌ Cannot cancel the unbonding
  • ✅ Safe from future validator issues

Slashing Risk​

If your validator misbehaved before you started unbonding:

  • Evidence may be submitted during your unbonding
  • Your unbonding tokens could be slashed
  • This is rare but possible

Multiple Unbondings​

You can have multiple unbondings in progress:

Unbonding 1: 1000 LYTH, completes Day 3
Unbonding 2: 500 LYTH, completes Day 5
Unbonding 3: 2000 LYTH, completes Day 6

Each completes on its own schedule.

Alternative: Redelegation​

If you want to switch validators without waiting:

monod tx staking redelegate <src> <dst> <amount>alyth

Redelegation:

  • ✅ Instant effect
  • ✅ Continue earning rewards
  • ❌ Cannot redelegate same tokens for 3 days

See Redelegation for details.

Partial Unbonding​

You can unbond any portion of your delegation:

# Unbond half of your stake
monod tx staking unbond <validator> 500000000000000000000000alyth

Remaining stake continues earning rewards.

Tracking Unbonding​

Via Explorer​

The block explorer shows:

  • Active unbondings
  • Completion times
  • Amounts

Via CLI​

# All unbondings for your address
monod query staking unbonding-delegations <your-address>

# Specific validator
monod query staking unbonding-delegation <your-address> <validator>

FAQ​

Can I cancel unbonding?

No. Once started, unbonding cannot be cancelled.

What if I want the tokens sooner?

You cannot accelerate unbonding. Plan ahead.

Do unbonding tokens count for governance?

No. Only bonded tokens can vote.

Can I unbond and redelegate at the same time?

Yes, for different portions of your stake. Not the same tokens.

What happens if the validator is jailed during unbonding?

Your unbonding continues. You're protected from future jailings.